Projects on Global Climate Change Law

We are currently conducting research on topics relevant to climate change law, including democracy, air pollution, carbon offsets and credits, the European Green Deal, and climate justice for a just transition. Drawing on our legal expertise, we work in multidisciplinary teams on the following research:

Strengthening democratic governance for climate transitions (Retool)

Achieving High-Integrity Voluntary Climate Action (Achieve)

Voluntary carbon offsetting in (climate) action: Perception coalitions, representations, and regulation (Offcorr)

Science-based legal pathways to reduce black carbon emissions in the EU and China: Towards integrated climate – air quality approaches (ClimAirPathways)

The ClimAirPathways project develops ways to reduce black carbon emissions in the EU and China through integrated approaches to climate change and air pollution. We have three approaches: a socio-legal focus, based on policy integration and norm diffusion studies; climate modelling; and coordination between the both to synthesise the results.

Project duration: 2023 – 2027

Learn more about ClimAirPathways here.

Climate Change Law in Europe

The initiative aims to drive legal innovation in Climate Change Law within Europe, focusing on both the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK). We also consider relevant international and regional legal frameworks, such as UNECE and ECHR. The research focuses in ensuring a just transition to a low-carbon economy, integrating human rights into Climate Change Law, enhancing biodiversity protection, and fostering governance innovation in climate legislation.

Project duration: 2022 – 2027

Learn more about Climate Change Law in Europe here.

Leaving No One Lost in Transition: Citizens and the Legitimacy of Finland’s Transition to a Carbon Neutral Welfare State (2035Legitimacy)

The 2035 Legitimacy project is based on the belief that Finland’s carbon neutrality target for 2035 is crucial for fulfilling the Paris Agreement and ensuring a sustainable future. Achieving this goal depends on broad public support in a democratic society. To this end, we explore the legitimacy of Finland’s transition to carbon neutrality, focusing on challenges and opportunities, especially from the perspective of private citizens. Our approach integrates insights from law, economics, sociology and climate science.

Project duration: 2020 – 2026

Learn more about the 2035 Legitimacy project here.

Regulatory Cooperation on Carbon Standards (Recosta)

Different carbon restrictions can harm competitiveness and shift emissions to countries with weaker standards. RECOSTA examines how trade and regulatory cooperation can address this, focusing on common rules for carbon standards, certification, and trade-related carbon measures. It explores both state-to-state and public-private partnerships, including voluntary certification schemes. RECOSTA aims to enhance regulatory cooperation on carbon standards, aiming to improve consistency, credibility, and effectiveness in reducing emissions.

Project duration: 2022 – 2025

Learn more about Recosta here.

The European Green Deal: Governing the EU’s Transition towards Climate Neutrality and Sustainability (GreenDeal-Net)

We analyse the governance challenges of the European Green Deal. It aims to foster collaboration and deepen understanding of a just and effective climate transition. Led by 12 European universities and coordinated by the Brussels School of Governance, the network extends to the global academic community and key sustainability stakeholders.

Project duration: 2022 – 2025

Learn more about the GreenDeal-Net here.

Assessing Sectoral Perspectives on Climate Transitions to Support the Global Stocktake and Subsequent NDCs (NDC aspects)

We provide advanced analysis and science to support the goals of the Paris Agreement, with a focus on updating Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) through 2030 and preparing new, ambitious NDCs for the period beyond. We explore international sectoral governance options, including climate clubs and the governance of fossil fuel production under frameworks such as the UNFCCC

Project duration: 2021 – 2024

Learn more about the NDC Aspects here.

The Atmosphere and Climate Competence Center (ACCC)

We aim to advance carbon neutrality in Finland, the EU, and globally by providing scientific solutions to mitigate air pollution and sustain a healthy atmosphere. Our research focuses on removing CO2 from the atmosphere and verifying these efforts, while assessing the climate neutrality of mitigation and air quality measures. We support businesses in reaching Paris Agreement targets, contributes to climate change adaptation, and aligns with the EU Green Deal and UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Project duration: 2020 – 2024

Learn more about ACCC here.

Completed projects

Innovation, Investment, Infrastructure and sector Integration: Transformative policies for a climate neutral European Union, 4I-Traction (2021-2024)

Transformative Transparency? Assessing the Effects of Reporting and Review in the International Climate Change Regime, Transclim (2020-2023)

Novel soil management practices for sustainable bioeconomy and climate change mitigation, Sompa (2018 – 2023)

Circular Economy Catalysts, Cicat (2018 – 2023)

Pathways to Breaking the Fossil Fuel Lock-in

Carbon and environmental footprints in public procurement – law and measuring), Hilmi

Slowing Down Climate Change: Combining Climate Law and Climate Science to Identify the Best Options to Reduce Emissions of Short-lived Climate Forcers in Developing Countries, ClimaSlow (2017-2022)

Jean Monnet Network on Governing the EU’s Climate and Energy Transition in Turbulent Times, GovTran (2018-2021)

The Law of the Green Developmental State: State Shareholders in Climate Governance (2019 – 2022)

Keeping the Arctic White

Making the International Trading System to Work for Climate

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Projects on Global Climate Change Law

Strengthening democratic governance for climate transitions (Retool)

Project duration: 2024 – 2027

Achieving High-Integrity Voluntary Climate Action (Achieve)

Project duration: 2024 – 2028

Voluntary carbon offsetting in (climate) action: Perception coalitions, representations, and regulation (Offcorr)

Project duration: 2023 – 2027

Science-based legal pathways to reduce black carbon emissions in the EU and China: Towards integrated climate – air quality approaches (ClimAirPathways)

Project duration: 2023 – 2027

Climate Change Law in Europe

Project duration: 2022 – 2027

Leaving No One Lost in Transition: Citizens and the Legitimacy of Finland’s Transition to a Carbon Neutral Welfare State (2035Legitimacy)

Project duration: 2020 – 2026

Regulatory Cooperation on Carbon Standards (Recosta)

The European Green Deal: Governing the EU’s Transition towards Climate Neutrality and Sustainability (GreenDeal-Net)

Project duration: 2022 – 2025

Assessing Sectoral Perspectives on Climate Transitions to Support the Global Stocktake and Subsequent NDCs (NDC aspects)

Project duration: 2021 – 2024

The Atmosphere and Climate Competence Center (ACCC)

Project duration: 2020 – 2024

Completed projects